VOICE OF THE PEOPLE (Letters)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Damage done

The editorial about the resignation of Atty. Gen. Alberto Gonzales did not go far enough ("The Damage at Justice," Aug. 28). The goal of appointing Gonzales and his predecessor, John Ashcroft, was to politicize the Justice Department. It is clear watching the president that his litmus test is loyalty to his base, and not the American people overall. One needs only to review the president's speech about Gonzales' departure to realize this.

Unless the Democrats and more moderate Republicans in Congress develop the spine to refuse to confirm anyone for attorney general who does not meet the high standards necessary to repair the damage to Justice, we are in for more of the same.

David Kempner

Vernon Hills

Political irony

President Bush claims opposition to Atty. Gen. Alberto Gonzales was based on politics alone. How ironic -- that's precisely how Gonzales ran the Justice Department.

Mike Mosser

Chicago

Heck of a job

The resignation provides another unique opportunity for the Bush administration and its failed presidency. It is time to bestow a Presidential Medal of Freedom upon Alberto Gonzales. Through this act, he can be held in the same esteem as Mr. Bush's other medal recipients: Donald Rumsfeld, George Tenet and L. Paul Bremer. You did a heck of a job, Gonzo!